Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park's "Road to Nowhere" Saga Set to End Saturday

A decades-long dispute is expected to come to an end Saturday when Interior Secretary Ken Salazar travels to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to sign off on a monetary settlement over the "Road to Nowhere" saga.

Read more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park's "Road to Nowhere" Saga Set to End Saturday

February 3rd, 2010

14 comments

Lost in the Boonies? What's Your Most Important Task?

People who find themselves lost in the boonies, whether it's forest, field, desert or other terrain, frequently make the same mistake. If you find yourself unsure which route leads back to civilization, a recent incident at the Buffalo National River offers a clue about your most important task.

Read more about Lost in the Boonies? What's Your Most Important Task?

January 31st, 2010

1 comment

Were You One of the Almost 9.5 Million Who Visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2009?

Perhaps it was the sour economy that kept folks close to home on their vacations, or maybe it was the lure of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's 75th anniversary. Whatever the reason, Great Smoky saw nearly 9.5 million visitors in 2009, which is the greatest turnout in nearly a decade in the park.

Read more about Were You One of the Almost 9.5 Million Who Visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2009?

January 27th, 2010

6 comments

Deadly Weather Buffets Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Parks

Powerful winds and heavy rains descended on the Appalachians on Sunday and lingered into Monday, downing trees, flooding roads, and resulting in a death in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Read more about Deadly Weather Buffets Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Parks

January 25th, 2010

1 comment

Updated: Federal Government Urged To Close Caves Inhabited by Bats on Public Lands to Stop Spread of White-Nose Syndrome

A conservation group is petitioning the federal government with a request that it close all caves and mines inhabited by bats on public lands in a bid to stop the spread of white-nosed syndrome among bats. At the same time, the Center for Biological Diversity wants the Eastern small-footed bat and the Northern long-eared bat to be listed as endangered species.

Read more about Updated: Federal Government Urged To Close Caves Inhabited by Bats on Public Lands to Stop Spread of White-Nose Syndrome

January 22nd, 2010

15 comments

Contract Issued For "Missing Link" on Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Work was scheduled to commence today on construction of the "missing link" along the Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Read more about Contract Issued For "Missing Link" on Foothills Parkway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 16th, 2010

15 comments

North Carolina Wildlife Officials Thinking of Reclassifying Status of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk

Elk populations seem to be growing satisfactorily in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But does that mean North Carolina wildlife officials should remove the protective status that prevents elk from being hunted in the area?

Read more about North Carolina Wildlife Officials Thinking of Reclassifying Status of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk

January 15th, 2010

22 comments

Work at Sinks Parking Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Could Impact Your Trail Access

The recent blast of frigid temperatures that descended on Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes word of closure of the Sinks Parking Area in the park largely a so-what deal. But be aware that spring visitors to the park could have some trail access difficulties.

Read more about Work at Sinks Parking Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Could Impact Your Trail Access

January 9th, 2010

Winter Storm Closes Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive and Some Sections of Blue Ridge Parkway

A major winter storm has created hazardous driving conditions in the three major Appalachian parks. All of Skyline Drive and some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have been closed. Great Smoky's Newfound Gap Road is subject to closures at night due to ice.

Read more about Winter Storm Closes Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive and Some Sections of Blue Ridge Parkway

January 7th, 2010

3 comments

2009 in Review: Creature Features – Burros, Pythons, Salamanders, Etc.

Traveler's creature features have proved very popular. Here’s the list, with the links.

Read more about 2009 in Review: Creature Features – Burros, Pythons, Salamanders, Etc.

January 5th, 2010

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.